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Creamy Chicken Pumpkin Stew Recipe

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4 from 289 reviews

This Chicken Pumpkin Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender chicken thighs with sweet pumpkin, fresh green beans, and a rich, smoky tomato broth. Enhanced with creamy peanut butter and aromatic smoked paprika, this stew offers a comforting blend of textures and flavors, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Protein and Vegetables

  • pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, trimmed of visible fat and cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 cups (about 1 pound) 1 inch cubes peeled sugar pumpkin or butternut squash
  • 8 ounces fresh green beans, cut in half
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

Liquids and Flavorings

  • 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
  • One 14.5 ounce can chicken broth
  • One 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¼ cup creamy peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, warm the canola or vegetable oil until shimmering.
  2. Cook the chicken: Add the chicken thigh pieces and sauté until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Incorporate liquids and spices: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Add the smoked paprika and salt, stirring to combine.
  5. Add pumpkin: Add the cubed pumpkin or butternut squash to the pot. Bring the stew to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender.
  6. Add green beans: Stir in the halved green beans, cover, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the beans are just tender but still vibrant.
  7. Thicken the stew: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Gradually stir the slurry into the stew and cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
  8. Finish with peanut butter: Stir in the creamy peanut butter until fully incorporated, giving the stew a rich and slightly nutty depth of flavor. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. Serve: Remove from heat and ladle the stew into bowls. Serve warm, ideally with rice, bread, or your favorite grain.

Notes

  • Use skinless, boneless chicken thighs for the best tender and juicy texture.
  • If unavailable, butternut squash can be substituted for the pumpkin.
  • Adjust the amount of smoked paprika to your preferred spice level.
  • Fresh green beans add a nice crunch; frozen can substitute if necessary but may soften more.
  • The peanut butter adds creaminess and depth—use creamy types and avoid chunky for smooth stew texture.
  • Serve with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.